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Aster Novi-Belgii: Symbolism, Care, and Flower Arrangements

Aster novi-belgii, also known as New York Aster or Dutch Aster, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family and the Symphyotrichum genus.

The Dutch Aster stands 50-100cm tall; it has numerous fibrous roots and underground rhizomes, with many stems clustered and branching; the leaves are lanceolate, smooth; the inflorescences are arranged in a corymbose fashion, the flowers are small, tongue-shaped, in pale blue-purple or white, and linear bracts, blooming from August to October.

The Dutch Aster is vibrant and naturally formed, with its blooming season coinciding with the National Day, hence it is often used in flower beds and landscapes, and can also be planted in patches, clustered, or used as potted flowers or cut flowers.

I. Basic Introduction

Aster novi-belgii

The Dutch Aster, Aster novi-belgii, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family and the Symphyotrichum genus, standing up to 100 cm tall.

The whole plant is covered with coarse hair, the leaves are lanceolate to linear lanceolate, the inflorescences are corymbose, the flowers are small, tongue-shaped, in pale blue-purple or white, with linear bracts, blooming from August to October.

The Dutch Aster is native to North America and the temperate Northern Hemisphere, and is widely cultivated throughout China. It prefers a ventilated and moist growth environment, has strong adaptability, is drought-resistant, poor and cold-resistant, and likes an environment where sunlight can reach.

The Dutch Aster has very loose requirements for soil.

II. Varieties of Dutch Aster

Aster novi-belgii

The Dutch Aster is a species in the Aster genus, which includes over 600 varieties, with common ones including Alpine Aster, Italian Aster, American Aster, and Double Crown Aster, among others.

Alpine Aster

A plant that stands 15-30 cm tall. The head-shaped flower has a diameter of about 3-3.5 cm, with light blue or bluish-violet ray flowers. It is widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and North America, and also found in the central and northern mountainous regions of China. There are many horticultural varieties, suitable for arranging in rock gardens.

Italian Aster

A plant that reaches about 1 meter in height. The head-shaped flower is approximately 2.5 cm in diameter, with purple ray flowers. It is distributed in Europe and Asia. Horticultural varieties include shorter plants with bright pink flowers.

New England Aster

This plant can grow over 1 meter tall. The whole plant has short soft hairs. The head-shaped flower is about 5 cm in diameter, with ray flowers in shades of purple, pink, violet, white, and rose red. It blooms between September and October, and there are many variants. Originally from North America.

Double Crown Aster

This plant grows 20-45 cm tall. It has basal leaves with a rosette arrangement. The head-shaped flower measures 6-9 cm in diameter, with blue or bluish-violet ray flowers. It originates from southwestern China.

Round Bract Aster

The stem is covered in short hairs. The head-shaped flower measures 3.5-4.5 cm in diameter, with purplish-red ray flowers.

III. Growth and Distribution

The Dutch chrysanthemum, originally from North America and the northern temperate zone, is widely cultivated across China. It thrives in ventilated, moist environments and is highly adaptable, able to endure drought, poor soil, and cold.

It prefers environments with sunlight. The Dutch chrysanthemum is not demanding regarding soil type and can grow even in nutrient-poor soil, but prefers to grow in fertile, loose sandy soil.

IV. Morphology and Features

The Dutch chrysanthemum is a perennial herb. It grows 50-100 cm tall. The leaves are oval, and the head-shaped flower is blue. The Dutch chrysanthemum is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family.

It has underground rhizomes and stems that are densely clustered and highly branched. The leaves are linear-lanceolate and smooth. When young, they are slightly purple.

They form umbel-like flowers at the top of the branches, with blue-violet or magenta flowers that bloom in October.

The Dutch chrysanthemum is known for its vibrant colors and strong adaptability, especially the newly introduced varieties which are shorter.

V. Cultivation Methods and Cautions for Dutch Chrysanthemums

How to Care for Dutch Chrysanthemums

Light and Temperature

Dutch Chrysanthemums thrive in sunny environments and should be kept in sun-facing locations. They prefer warm conditions and can tolerate both cold and high temperatures. They can survive winter easily, even in open ground in the northeast region.

Fertilization and Watering

Dutch Chrysanthemums are drought and infertile soil tolerant, but this doesn’t mean they don’t need proper watering and fertilization. Before planting, apply a sufficient amount of base fertilizer to ensure the soil has enough nutrients.

During their growth period, apply a thin layer of fertilizer every two weeks to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be done properly, watering as the soil dries, and increasing watering during dry weather. You can also spray water to maintain air humidity.

Soil

Dutch Chrysanthemums can tolerate poor soils and don’t require high-quality soil, but loose, fertile sandy soil is the best choice.

Propagation Methods

The propagation methods of Dutch Chrysanthemums mainly include seed propagation, cutting propagation, grafting propagation, and tiller propagation. The most common methods are seed propagation and tiller propagation.

Cautions

Pests and Diseases

Dutch Chrysanthemums might get infected by many pests and diseases during growth, including powdery mildew, flower leaf disease, rust, and aphids. If they get infected, they need immediate treatment with a pesticide spray. Pay attention to ventilation and humidity control during cultivation.

Pruning

Dutch Chrysanthemums are quite pruning-tolerant. Timely pruning during growth can encourage them to branch out and bloom more.

Overgrowth

To encourage Dutch Chrysanthemums to bloom more and grow vigorously, maintain a supply of water and fertilizer. However, too much water and fertilizer may lead to overgrowth, so watering and fertilization should be done reasonably.

VI. Methods of Propagation

Cutting

In autumn, trim the aboveground parts of the plant. Water it once before winter sets in to ensure it overwinters safely. Move it to a shaded nursery or plastic greenhouse for the winter. Once the base buds grow to about 10 cm, with 8 leaves, remove and plant them in a nursery bed with a ground temperature of 22-24°C.

Division

This can be done in both spring and autumn. In northern China, division should occur one and a half months before the soil freezes. Appropriate pruning can be done in the early growth period (May and June).

Seeding

The best time to sow is from July to August. If seeds are sown too early, the plant will sprout prematurely, shifting from vegetative growth to reproductive growth and losing the function of its fleshy roots.

If seeds are sown too late, the rhizomes will be damaged in winter, affecting the quality of the fleshy roots. Sow in rows on the bed, typically using 50-60 grams of seeds per acre. For large-scale sowing, use a seeder.

The seeding depth should be 1 cm, and check the covering thickness after seeding. If it rains, hand-sow to supplement. After sowing, water first, then cover with straw.

This prevents the chrysanthemums from being affected by high temperatures and heavy rain, ensuring uniform seedling growth.

To thin out the seedlings on time, gently cut away the excess seedlings with a small knife. At the same time, clear the trenches, loosen the soil, and weed.

VII. Value and Others

Primary Value

The Dutch chrysanthemum, vibrant and adaptable, is a short plant with a natural form. Its blooming season aligns with the period around National Day, making it a popular material for flower beds and landscape gardening.

It can be planted individually or in clusters, and used as a potted plant or for cut flowers. The Dutch chrysanthemum is suitable for large-scale cultivation in saline-alkali areas, and stands out in flower beds and floral mirrors.

It’s ideal for indoor pot cultivation, ornamental display, and arranging flower beds and landscapes. It is also perfect as a complementary flower for flower baskets and floral arrangements.

A bouquet of colorful Dutch chrysanthemums can add a touch of romance to your dining table or windowsill.

When combined with lilies, everlasting flowers, spring feathers, and Penglai pine, the resulting arrangement is vibrant and full of life, making it a great centerpiece for coffee tables or desks.

Plant Culture

The floriography of the Dutch chrysanthemum is activity and deception.

The Dutch chrysanthemum, also known as the New York Aster, is associated with activity due to its religious origins. This flower was dedicated to Saint Wilfrid, the Archbishop of Northumbria who carried out missionary work in the 7th century.

Those blessed by the Dutch chrysanthemum are lively and active, disliking quietness. While they may be successful in social interactions, their lack of calmness can be detrimental in romantic relationships. Therefore, remaining calm and stable is key for them in love.

The Dutch chrysanthemum also symbolizes deception. This comes from an old wives’ tale where farmers believed that burning dried chrysanthemum leaves could repel mosquitoes and fleas.

However, the opposite turned out to be true, as insects seemed to be attracted to the smoke, hence the floriography of “deception”. Those blessed by the Dutch chrysanthemum are good at deception.

While this doesn’t mean they are malicious, they often struggle with interpersonal relationships, unintentionally embellishing their thoughts before expressing them, which can seem insincere.

In reality, they should try to engage in sincere interactions and truly love others. Only by being genuine can they gain more confidence and maturity in their interactions.

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Peggie

Peggie

Founder of FlowersLib

Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.

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